Mauritius

Trip Start Jan 15, 2009

Trip End May 06, 2009

Loading Map

Map your own trip!

Map Options

Show trip route

Hide lines

Where I stayed

MV Explorer

Flag of Mauritius Port Louis, Mauritius
Friday, February 27, 2009

We spent only one day in Mauritius. When asked her favorite vacation spot in the whole world, Maria Sharipova reportedly said that hers was Mauritius. The place has an odd feel. It was first discovered by the Dutch and Portuguese, but neither wanted to settle the island. The French were the first to make a real settlement, so many places have French names. French is still spoken predominantly. But most of the residents are of Indian descent. The French didn't bother to build any roads (imagine that). When Great Britain took charge of the island, the Brits built the roads. So people in Mauritius speak French, look Indian, and drive on the left side of the road.

The water at the beach was beautiful but the sand was full of coral and sharp shells. I can think of several beaches in Florida that are better. Nice to say I have swam in the Indian Ocean, I guess. But I don't think I would come back. There must be some nice resorts here, but we did not intend to find any.

The ropes course was well-designed and interesting. Pretty strenuous and challenging. The routine required about 90 minutes to complete. We all enjoyed it. The mosquitos enjoyed it too. We were heavy coated in deet, so they did not bit us, but many of the students were not so well prepared. Ouch. Let's hope malaria is not common there! On to India.

Slideshow